ISSA announced the creation of the ISSA Hygieia Network, a women’s forum with the mission to advance and retain female professionals in all sectors and experience levels within the global cleaning community. Individuals and corporations can participate in the network.

“ISSA is leading this effort to foster the advancement of women in our industry, in direct support of the association’s mission to facilitate ongoing networking and commercial opportunities for the international cleaning industry,” said John Garfinkel, ISSA Executive Director. “There are many outstanding female executives in our field, and we want to encourage companies to look to their workforces to further expand their diversity and mine even more exemplary leaders.”

Named after the Greek goddess of cleaning and hygiene, this vibrant worldwide community will provide ongoing education, networking, professional development, and personal recognition awards available to any women working in, or associated with, the industry.

An advisory council of female leaders, chaired by Dr. Ilham Kadri, President of Diversey Care, VP and Officer of Sealed Air Corp., will develop the network’s framework for membership and services in the coming months. The council will focus on ways to raise awareness, stimulate discussion, and disseminate best practices.

In addition to leadership development, the group also will investigate ways to address front-line worker challenges such as literacy levels. Currently, a high percentage of entry-level female cleaning workers around the world come from low-income or impoverished backgrounds that restrict their access to education, hampering their prospects for personal and professional advancement.

“Since I joined this industry, I noticed huge gaps in gender diversity and a lack of prestige connected with cleaning jobs.” said Dr. Kadri, “We need to change that and support our employees in the cleaning industry to access education and training, as well as become more aware about the best cleaning standards and collaborate in building a human capital curriculum”.

Support for this initiative has been provided by the following founding members:

•    Holly Borrego, Cleaning Services Director North America for ISS Facility Services Inc.
•    Nathalie Doobin, CEO Harvard Services Group
•    Dr. Ilham Kadri, President of Diversey Care, VP and Officer of Sealed Air Corp.
•    Jill Kegler, General Manager of Kellermeyer-Nichols
•    Marie-Paule Nowlis, VP Guest Experience & Operations, Sofitel
•    Meredith Reuben, CEO of EBP Supply Solutions
•    Linda Silverman, President of Maintex
•    Lydia Work, CEO of American Paper Converting Inc.

“These women leaders have greatly impressed me since I joined this industry,” said Dr. Kadri. “Each of them has a unique story to tell and are inspirational for anyone working in the cleaning profession. With them as role models, and the commitment of ISSA to host this initiative, we shall deliver on our mission to improve education and career opportunities for women as well as develop a diverse generation of future leaders.”

Professionals interested in joining the network can contact Dianna Steinbach, ISSA Director of Industry Outreach, at dianna@issa.com.